Review

 

Saitek Cyborg 5.1 Surround Sound Headphones

Conclusion
Well, what can I say, incredible, I did not think that a set of headphones could make such a difference to the FS experience; I guess one of the main reasons for this is they are essentially hi-fi quality, not something I have been used to in FS.

The results were a resounding success with the increased clarity of sound (spoken word/listening to music etc)

One thing I would say, take the time to get all the settings right from the programme/drivers provided. If this is done you will reap the benefit.

Not a concern but an observation, the in-line module taking care of volume mute stereo/5.1 is warm to the touch after it has been active for a few seconds.  I guess this unit houses some clever gizmo’s but it is the longevity that slightly worries me, how many times can it be switched on/off before issues occur… Again only time will tell.

I have to be honest and say that my previous pair of headphones costing circa £30.00 started to feel out classed. But my friend, the Cyborg unit is a delight in comparison. If you need to store them before the flight or chat, the hard case mentioned above is supplied to perfectly protect your investment.  I would express some doubt in retaining the boom mic contact if you were to repeatedly remove it.

Wearing some headphones on the market make you resemble an alien visitor form the plant Zog! But the low profile design of the Cyborg system make them a delight to use over short or prolonged ‘flying’ sessions.

Like me, I bet you have not considered the upgrade? Make the change.  5.1 surround sound technology is available, it adds so much  listening pleasure to the gaming experience.

I picked out sounds that I had missed before.  I have spent ages selecting all the aircraft in the ‘hanger’ and immersing myself in a completely different selection of superb sound effects generated by the Cyborg headphones.

I have used these headphones for about 7 hours now, a couple of final points: 

Firstly, I felt the spring in the frame, ie pressure on your ears was too great. (It could well be my head of course!)  However, despite a ‘snug’ fit it did not prove uncomfortable. I decided to bend the metal strip which is housed inside a padded area that sits on top of your head.  With careful bending this loosened the unit and is now a perfect fit.

Secondly, despite de-selecting the 5.1 option the lights (which should appear only when 5.1 surround sound is selected) either side remained on, but again, I can live with that.

After the drivers were installed, with the new headphones on I am aware of a crackle every 10 seconds or so.  Heaven knows what is causing this annoying trait? It may of course have nothing to do with the newly installed driver for the headphones, but it did not occur with my previous headphones?

If you thinking of replacing your headphones or even if you were not, give this offering a real good look.  I truly love them. Crispness, Surround Sound built quality and looks great.  If you are considering a change consider this offering form Saitek.

OK, at the cost it not an impulse purchase, but quality never comes cheap!

Onwards and upwards…
Nigel C.Martin.

Cost:
    Saitek’s Cyborg 5.1 headset is available from www.Saitek.com priced £69.99
    Product url: http://www.saitek.com/uk/prod/cyborg5v2.htm

System requirements: 
    Connectivity- USB 2.0 Windows XP, XP64, Vista (All versions)

System used for review:
    AMD 64X 2 Dual Core Processor 7500+
    4 Gig SD Ram
    Nvidia G-Force 7900 GT

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